As anyone who has ever planned a wedding can tell you, the months leading up to your big day can be a time of stress as well as happiness. There’s so much to think about and do, and all this while you are having the inevitable bridal jitters. Fortunately, there are ways to control our anxiety. Below are a few common sense suggestions:

Communicate Your Feelings

Be open and honest if you’re feeling upset. Tell your fiancé or family what is bothering you. Don’t try to keep stressful feelings to yourself as they may transfer to something or someone else. Take positive action whenever possible - worrying never solved a problem.

Share Responsibilities

Do not assume you have to do everything yourself. This idea is outdated and exhausting. Ask your fiancé to go over the checklists in this book and handle as many of the planning functions as possible.

Pace Yourself

In the beginning stages of planning your wedding, you have several major decisions to make. Do not try to tackle them all at once. Plan to accomplish one major job a day.

Have A System

It will give you the secure feeling that you are not forgetting something crucial. Try to break down each task into organized steps. Then decide how long each step should take and who will do it. Set a completion date for each step and stay on schedule.

Take Care of Your Health

Eat right and be sure to get enough rest and exercise. Take advantage of time-tested soothers at night, such as a hot bath, warm milk or a back rub.